St. Augustine's World: Historical Context and Philosophical Influences

The Historical and Intellectual World of St. Augustine

Historical Context: The Decline of Rome

St. Augustine, born around 354 CE, lived during an age of profound upheaval. The Roman Empire began its marked decline during this period, spanning the reigns of emperors like Julian and Theodosius I. It was Theodosius I who, in 380 CE, declared Nicene Christianity the official religion of the empire (via the Edict of Thessalonica), effectively neutralizing polytheism and forcing all imperial structures to adapt to a new way of thinking.

This shift led to complex relations between philosophy and religion:

• Philosophy: Seeks to explain human dilemmas rationally and through common sense.
• Religion: Bases solutions to human dilemmas in faith and belief statements considered superior, though often unproven by empirical means.

Upon the death of Theodosius I in 395 CE, the Empire was permanently divided into the Eastern Empire and the West. Years later, Rome itself would be sacked by the Visigoths (410 CE), following a period of severe economic decline and crisis in the late empire.

Socio-Cultural Landscape and the Rise of Christianity

Both the culture and society of the fourth century were profoundly influenced by the rise of Christianity.

The School of Alexandria

Culturally, the School of Alexandria became an important Christian center of the Hellenistic tradition, advocating philosophy in harmony with faith. The most important members of this center were Clement and Origen of Alexandria, whose theses emphasized a deep desire to educate society through philosophy to help them understand truths accessible only through divine revelation.

Major Theological Disputes

There was also much discussion on various aspects of Christian doctrine, often resolved in different councils. Key disputes included:

• Arianism: Started by Arius, who regarded Jesus (the Son/Logos) as a created being, subordinate to God the Father.
• Nestorianism: Associated with Nestorius, who questioned the unity of Christ's divine and human natures, particularly denying the title Theotokos (God-bearer) for Mary.
• Pelagianism: Advocated by Pelagius, which denied the existence of original sin and emphasized human free will and the ability to achieve salvation through effort.

Philosophical Foundations and the Church Fathers

Early Christian Apologists

In the first centuries, significant opposition to the Christian movement arose from both Jews and pagans. This opposition was countered by apologist writers, including:

• Justin Martyr: Defended the freedom and equality of man as a gift granted by God.
• Tertullian: Supported the originality and distinctiveness of Christianity.
• Irenaeus: Faced threats beyond paganism, including various Gnostic movements.

The Role of the Church Fathers

It is important to mention the work of the Fathers of the Church, the first great theologians and authors of the Christian Church. These writers, most notably St. Augustine (alongside others like St. Athanasius and St. Ambrose), were primarily theologians, but they addressed crucial philosophical values, such as:

• The existence of a spiritual world alongside the material world.
• The immortality of the soul.
• The exercise of virtues as a path closer to God.

Neoplatonism's Influence

The mainstream philosophical movement of this time was Neoplatonism, developed by Plotinus and Porphyry, and later inherited by Proclus. This influence was clearly evident in St. Augustine's intellectual development and subsequent theological framework.